The protective netting behind home plate at Regions Field will be extended before the start of the 2016 Southern League Season.
The netting will now stretch to the edge of the dugouts. Barons’ officials say space near the bottom of the protective screen has been designed to ensure fans and players will still be able to interact.
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred called for the increase in fan safety this past off-season, and he was immediately echoed by Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O’ Conner.
As part of its agreement with Regions Field, the City of Birmingham will be covering the cost of the project.
Construction is scheduled for later in March and is estimated to take just a couple of days.